It can feel like everyone is jumping on the wine bandwagon. However, many people are still learning to enjoy wine or may not like it at all. Even so, wine remains incredibly popular. From tastings to painting parties, wine has become both a social activity and a lifestyle.
If you don’t enjoy wine, you may simply be drinking the wrong kind. Fortunately, learning to like wine is easier than you might think. Wine comes in many styles, ranging from sweet and fruity to bold and rich. By learning a few basic wine terms and styles, you can quickly narrow down what you enjoy.
If you are new to wine, start with a white or rosé. Lighter-bodied wines offer a great entry point. Much like food preferences, wine tastes often evolve over time. A lighter-bodied wine typically has an alcohol level of about 12.5% or less. These wines taste delicate, approachable, and easy to drink.
If you prefer sweet wines, try Smitten, Social Butterfly, Envy, or Reserve Late Harvest Riesling. If you lean toward drier styles, consider Motu Viget Eye Candy, Coastline White Blend, or Reserve Pinot Grigio.
Many people first enjoy sweet whites or rosés. Over time, they often develop a taste for drier reds or more complex wines. While everyone’s journey differs, early dislike of dry wines often comes from high tannins or sharper flavors.
Fortunately, several simple tips can help enhance your wine experience. With the right style, you may not even realize you are drinking wine.
One helpful tip is to identify flavors you already enjoy. Wine offers a wide range of flavor notes, including fruits, nuts, flowers, and chocolate. When you recognize flavors you like in food and drinks, choosing wine becomes much easier.
Food pairing also plays an important role. While pairing rules can feel overwhelming, a simple guideline works well. White wines pair nicely with chicken, pork, and fish. Red wines pair best with beef and lamb.
Another easy way to enjoy wine is by adding fruit. Fruit naturally sweetens wine and enhances flavor. Choose fruits already present in the wine. Strawberries, raspberries, oranges, lemons, and limes work especially well. If this sounds appealing, try our Sangria wines. Options include Lemonade Sangria and Blood Orange Sangria.
Ultimately, the wine you choose depends on your taste preferences, mood, and meal. For beginners, buying wine from a place with great selection and service makes a big difference. Stop by one of our tasting rooms. Our wine consultants can help you select the perfect bottle. You can even taste before you buy.
Ready to keep learning? Continue your wine journey by exploring the structural elements of wine or discovering the nine basic wine styles.
